This section includes a listing of all the best and most recommended bike shops in Tokyo and other parts of Japan. Please contact us to recommend us more addresses if you we have not included them yet in the directory listed below:

Note: Bicycle shop located in downtown Tokyo in Ikebukuro station. Contains a wide variety of bikes and brands on 2 floors. Nicely designed bike store displaying only the latest collection of Specialized bikes and gears.

Note: This fairly new bike shop tries to do things a bit differently than the classic Japanese bike store. It innovates by providing services such as:
a) Bike Test Riding (Not free),
b) Repair Courses,
c) Bicycle Tours and
d) Other events.
Their bikes are only from European brands.

Note: Located in central Tokyo, this shop offers 7 floors of a wide variety of bike models, gear and clothes for any cyclist. The service is good and you can do your bike fitting for 5000 Yen (which helps to determine the most suitable bike frame for your body). Their group spinning classes on both Tuesday and Thursday evening (from 7pm) are great work outs for 500 Yen for 1 hour (best to reserve before hand).

Note: This shop PROVIDES ONLY bicycle RENTAL SERVICES to tourists, cycling fanatics and whomever in between. You can either pick up your folding bike to their shop in Iidabashi or have it delivered directly to your Hotel.

Note: Small bike shop located in between Harajuku and Sendagaya station. This one offers you a very wide selection of racing bike brands and cycling gear. Their website is nicely done and also contain quite a few interesting information – Too bad it’s only in Japanese.

Note: A fairly large bike store providing pretty much everything you need on cycling. From racing bikes to mountain bikes (MTB), gears and cycling wear, chances are that you will find what you are looking for in this store.

Note: Ceepo is a Japanese brand which has been rapidly expanding and becoming popular in the world of triathlete. CEEPO bikes are thin and sleek, yet strong. Their brand new EPS (Ethyl, Poly, Styrene) carbon molding system allows them to create the lightest and stiffest bikes to provide maximum energy transfer. CEEPO is dedicated for triathletes like you with the same goal – to be the very best.

Note: From road to hybrid, Trek Store Roppongi is the first store to open in Tokyo and stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling.According to their website, the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Note: This spacious and nicely designed bike store stocks a range of genuine bicycles (Trek, Gary Fisher and Klein) including a spectrum of information to help riders enjoy the sport of cycling. Their websites indicates that the store also provides a “test ride” service prior to your purchase of a new bike. Bike fitting and maintenance services are also included. A kids area and Cafe with a mini sports library can be used when you wait for your bike to be fixed.

Kevin Nadolny, currently living in Tokyo, Japan, has come up with the solution for safely running in the of the high traffic of many cities. “During my runs to and from work in the heart of Tokyo, I realised the need to create a safer running environment for both urban runners and pedestrians.”

The Runbell is a one ounce bell that delivers a powerful and pleasant sound for the urban runner and is a stylish running accessory with the quality of fine jewelry. It will make sidewalks and running paths safer for everyone. The runner’s device comes in two sizes, each with two pairs of soft, silicon inserts for adjustability and comfort.

“Runbell is both original and beautiful,” said Nadolny, You’ll be sure to catch the eyes and bring frustration free urban running to everyone and keep asking yourself “Why nobody before came up with that idea?”

Whether you live in Tokyo, New York, or any other city around the world, urban runners face a common problem. Popular running paths and city sidewalks are congested and can make running frustrating and even dangerous.

Road running has a long and established tradition in Japan. Racing in Japan is so awesome because no matter the race, a crowd always shows up to cheer you on. However, this popularity in running can also be a challenge. Whether running on the crowded city sidewalks of Tokyo or the popular running path of the Imperial Palace, you will find others walking, biking, or running with you. Tokyo is full of people of all ages: businessmen, mothers, children, and grandmothers and grandfathers.

Running along city sidewalks is common because you can find a running route suited exactly for where you live and work. However, pedestrians and bicyclist can become obstacles for runners especially around train station entrances. People reading their smart phone or slowly drifting along can present a similar hazard. Most runners resort to calling out, “coming through!”. Yelling is slightly rude and can be tiring during a long run.

Runbell is an elegant solution to this vexing problem of running in crowded areas where runners and pedestrians share the same path. Runbell is designed by urban runners for urban runners. Fit Runbell on to your pointer and middle finger and whenever your route is obstructed, simply ping your Runbell. While the person in your way might be surprised to see a runner instead of a bicylist, they will be ever thankful for the polite precaution. As a runner, you will find running along city sidewalks so much more enjoyable.

Runbell has been designed with both style and function in mind. By using jewelery quality metals, Runbell looks elegant and will last the harsh envionment of a runner’s hands. Runbell comes in two sizes: one for him and one for her. The rings of the ladies’ Runbell is slightly smaller than the men’s Runbell. Otherwise, they are the same. In each case, the Runbell is slightly oversized so you can either use one of two silicone inserts to adjust the ring size or use gloves during the winter months. The convenient 360 spring allows you to activate the bell no matter which way you push or pull the striker.

Weighing just one ounce (30 grams), Runbell is a light-weight and easy to use solution to a vexing problem.

Runbell will be launching on Kickstarter.com on May 5th. Whether a runner or a pedestrian, sign up for the Runbell newsletter and be the first to hear of their launch and early bird discounts. Sign up now at www.Run-Bell.com

STEP II: WORK OUTFrom: The 18km mark along the river. The first place we covered (Bike Plan 01) was aiming for the East direction until the 0km mark. THIS TIME, we will AIM FOR THE WEST DIRECTION. To: pretty much as long as you want. This side of the bike course can go on forever and lead you anywhere depending on the path you take. Most of the course goes along the river and avoids any main road with traffic. Distance: 71km (35.5km both way – go and come back)

This week-end, JapanTriathlon went to pay a visit to Daisuke Nishikori san who recently opened his own bike shop (2 months ago to be exact). Nishikori san was previously managing Mr. Charley, another bike shop based in Ikebukuro. He is well known for its quality service and friendly staffs.

His new bike shop is called “FORTUNEBIKE“. It’s well located close to the Kinshicho station and just a few minutes close to a large shopping mall and a cinema theater (see link to map below). I have always felt that Nishikori san provided THE BEST service you could possibly find in town so I wanted to wish him the best of luck with his new venture and remind him that he could count on me to remain one of his loyal customers.

Nishori san is a true professional and bike lover. He might not have yet all the parts you’re looking for available in his shop, but, he will order them for you in a record time and will always be happy to support you with additional support such as bike fitting, maintenance work prior to a race etc… I have always been impressed with his kindnesses, service quality and support and highly recommend anyone of you to pay him a visit to find out for yourself.

Daisuke Nishikori assisting a customer with the bike fitting of his new TT Ceepo Venom bike

The Oi-Futo area is a popular spot for cyclists living in the Tokyo area. It’s not a particularly beautiful part of town (as it’s located in a container harbour near a port so you can imagine the scenary) but it offers a perfect training arena, and since the business is closed on each Sunday, you will benefit from an absolutely ZERO TRAFFIC ON SUNDAYS – which is a real luxary. This training spot is best for those of you who wish to train speed, do some interval training or ride is larger groups on wide open roads.

You can reach Oi-Futo area from many different stations (Shinagawa, Oimachi, Samezu, Shinagawa Seaside, Okeibajomae and others…) but keep in mind that they are all quite far from the actual spot. The most convenient way to access it is by bike.

The most popular course used is as follows (listed in red) but can be adjustable according to your preference:

OI-FUTO LOOP Distance: 9.16km

Oi-futo Meeting Point

Oi-futo is a popular spot for speed training and for Triathlete to show off their TT Racing Bike

For those others not into Triathlon, they can enjoy riding in groups without worrying too much about the traffic

The Denver Post has been printing some interesting articles on barefoot running…stirring the debate about barefooting…pro and con.

It turns out that the biggest opponent of barefoot running is Mark Plaatjes, the owner of the Boulder Running Company. He makes the argument that running barefoot is not for Americans because “98 percent of the U.S. do not grow up barefoot, walking barefoot” and that “If you do not grow up barefoot, it is a really difficult thing to do.”

Granted, Mr. Plaatjes is correct that many if not most Americans did not grow up barefoot…, but making the case that since they did not, they should not, is not the kind of argument one should make without a lot of evidence backing it up. And that evidence is not there.

My experience tells me that you can regain use of your feet, one thoughtful step at a time. For many, the foot has atrophied and become weak from years of wearing shoe casts. Constantly supporting the foot leads to weakness. Strengthening the foot requires patience and care, but the results are so well worth it. Your foot is an amazing and beautiful piece of magical equipment that you’ve inherited from a long line of successful movement. Self-healing and self-nourishing, your feet get stronger with use…the best shoes you’ll ever own.

Michael Sandler of Boulder is the article’s main barefoot running proponent. Sandler says that “When you are barefoot, you are forced to run the way ancient man ran, which is a soft dance,” and I agree. He further points out that even his upper body is getting stronger from barefooting. I understand this too.

One of the other proponents, Ivo Waerlop, suggests that barefoot running allows muscles to strengthen and work in different ways than they are familiar with while in shoes. Runners experience a more natural stride when they are barefoot, he says, and I agree. Further, he points out that when in training shoes, runners are more likely to land on their heel before rocking through to the toes, and that is not a good thing.

They also quote me in the article thus:

“When you take away the feeling of the impact of your feet hitting the ground, you end up putting much more impact into your body than if you felt it and adjusted your stride,” said Barefoot Ted, perhaps the most well-known barefoot running enthusiast. He lives in Washington and has spread the gospel of barefoot running for five years.

“The more padded the shoe has become, the more impact people are putting into their body,” Barefoot Ted said.

No shoes = bigger smiles

Further in the article, it suggests that we (Sandler and me) are on the extreme side of the barefoot spectrum…, but is that exactly true? We are just showing what is possible and suggesting that barefoot and minimal running be included in the dialogue of mainstream’s understanding of running rather than resorting to scare tactics to make people shy away from being barefoot. We are living proof that it can be done…and that it is joyful.

I suggest you give barefooting a try. Start slow and build slow. Be thoughtful, mindful and gentle. The rewards seem very high, and I have been receiving a lot of emails with amazing success reports.

For people who enjoy running, there’s nothing like lacing up the Nikes, heading out the door and hitting that stride. But every runner hits a wall at one point or another and day after day, run after run can soon become monotonous. Sometimes a little jolt to the routine is welcomed.

Whether you want to try out new routes, strive to be faster, have better endurance or even lose a little weight, runners (and want-to-be runners) can turn to the following 10 iPhone apps for a little more variety in their training regimens:

RunKeeper Pro:
RunKeeper is probably the most well-known of the running apps on this list. This is a feature-rich app that enables GPS tracking, distance, speed monitoring, caloric output and activity history for any number of activities you partake in including sports such as running, cycling, hiking, skiing and swimming. You can also sync all the data to RunKeeper’s website to monitor progress and share publicly. RunKeeper also offers a simplified version of the app for free.

Cost: $9.99

Ghost Race:
Sometimes, the best motivation is competition and who better to compete with than yourself? Ghost Race enables you to track your times on various routes and compare your performance from day to day. The app’s audio function also keeps you updated on your progress against your ‘Ghost’ in real-time.

Cost: $0.99

Livestrong Calorie Tracker:
Assuming most people who run regularly are also health conscious, the Livestrong Calorie Tracker boasts more than 625,000 foods in its database and is a great app to have to monitor caloric/fat/carbohydrate/protein intake. You can also monitor your progress based on daily caloric goals that you establish and track your weight loss goals.

Cost: $2.99

Get Running (Couch to 5K)
Targeted more for beginner runners, Get Running provides users with a specific training regimen over the course of nine weeks, with the end goal of being able to run for 30 minutes. Audio prompts guide users through each workout and even provide encouragement along the way.

Cost: $1.99

iRace:
iRace is a comprehensive app for locating road races near you or in any city that you choose to search. The app also enables you to preview the race route (if available) and send “challenges” to contacts, inviting them to run the race with you.

Cost: $0.99

Fitnio:
Fitnio is another GPS-based tracking and monitoring app for walking, running and cycling. The app records your activity and then displays distance, pace, caloric burn and also keeps an ongoing log of all workouts and also syncs with its website. Fitnio also provides an emergency contact option in the event that immediate help is needed during a workout.

Cost: $1.99

RunCoach:
Run Coach is a good app for both seasoned and novice runners who desire a little more motivation for running success. With a variety of training plans to choose from, a 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, etc., Run Coach provides personalized plans and enables you to track your progress along the way. Running and nutritional tips are also offered for quick reference.

Cost: $0.99

iMapMyRun:
If you want a GPS-based route tracker and activity log, but don’t want to pay for one, iMapMyRun is a good alternative. Similar to some of the other tracking apps, this also enables you to save your data to the app’s website where you can monitor progress and share publicly, even via Twitter. For more features like iPod integration and photo geo-tagging, there’s a more comprehensive version available called iMapMyRun+ that costs $4.99.

Cost: FREE

Interval Run:
For runners who like to mix it up with interval training, this app is a good way to integrate a little variety into your workout. With training plans including Tabata, Couch to 5K, Gateway to 8K and a One Hour Program, the recorded voice tells you what to do and when to do it.

Cost: $1.99

UltraTimer:
UltraTimer is a great app to have on hand for use as a precise timer, whether it is for circuit training, sprints or just for general use. The app comes with a couple example training plans, but any desired timing schedule can be inputted and multiple timers can be run simultaneously as well.

Cost: $1.99

Written by Jeana Lee Tahnk – courtousy of mashable.com
Jeana Lee Tahnk is a high-tech PR consultant and writer who focuses on a variety of topics including, technology, social media, family & parenting and health & well-being. She is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, MommyTrack’d and Examiner.com. More information about her writing expertise and professional background can be found on her web site.